>>Fort Snelling Hosting Largest Memorial Day Ceremony in Region
(Fort Snelling, MN) — Fort Snelling National Cemetery is hosting the largest Memorial Day ceremony in the state and region today. Volunteers placed nearly 200-thousand American flags at the headstones of veterans buried there. Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad Commander Richard Middleton is giving the keynote address. The 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band will be providing the patriotic music. This year’s service marks the 250th birthday of America.
>>Honoring Those Who Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice
(Undated) — There are Memorial Day services today (Mon) in communities across Minnesota. David Swantek of the Department of Veterans Affairs says people often confuse this holiday with Veterans Day. “Memorial Day is remembering those veterans who have served and sacrificed for the freedoms that we enjoy. And honoring their memories and acknowledging the support of their families.” Swantek says Veterans Day is for living veterans, and Memorial Day is to honor those who are no longer with us. The four State Veterans Cemeteries hosted Memorial Day ceremonies on Sunday.
>>17-Year-Old Vehicle Passenger Killed in North Mankato Shooting
(North Mankato, MN) — Police in North Mankato are investigating a shooting that left a 17-year-old boy dead. Officers responded to the report of a vehicle crashing into a townhouse late Saturday night. They found the victim inside the car suffering from a gunshot wound, and the boy later died at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital. The North Mankato P-D
is looking for surveillance video of a silver 2010 Chevy Impala that may have been in the area.
>>No-Fly Zone Established Near Man Accused of Shooting Firefighting Aircraft
(Orr, MN) — A no-fly restriction is now in place over the property of 48-year-old Daniel Pettit, the man accused of shooting at a firefighting aircraft near Orr. The DNR says the airspace restriction is protocol and meant to protect firefighting crews operating in the area. Pettit is charged with multiple felonies after investigators say a firefighting plane was hit by a bullet while responding to a wildfire in Portage Township on May 15th. The aircraft was damaged but safely landed in Hibbing, and the pilot was not injured. Pettit told investigators he was crow hunting and did not mean to hit the plane.
>>100 Deadliest Days of Summer
(Undated) — The 100 deadliest days of summer are underway on Minnesota roads. The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is typically the most dangerous time of year for crashes and fatalities. State Patrol Lieutenant Mike Lee says troopers carry the memories of deadly crashes with them throughout their careers, often delivering tragic news to families after one bad decision behind the wheel. Lee says most deadly crashes are preventable and are caused by speeding, distracted driving, impairment, and failing to wear a seat belt. Authorities are reminding drivers to slow down, buckle up, drive sober, and put the phone away this summer.
>>Don’t Let High Gas Prices Put the Brakes on Your Summer Plans
(St. Paul, MN) — Rising gas prices don’t have to derail your summer travel plans. Explore Minnesota says the state is packed with affordable road trips, weekend getaways, and outdoor adventures close to home. Executive Director Lauren Bennett-McGinty says it’s a great chance to be a “tourist in your own backyard” while supporting local communities, restaurants, and businesses. She says Explore Minnesota also offers “trip on a tank” itineraries online, helping families find budget-friendly destinations without traveling far from home this summer.
>>2026 Legislative Challenges
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers are reflecting on a difficult 2026 legislative session marked by tragedy and major challenges at the Capitol. DFL Senator Liz Boldon of Rochester says lawmakers dealt with the loss of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, the Annunciation shooting, Operation Metro Surge, budget pressures, and federal funding cuts. Despite that, Boldon says lawmakers accomplished more than many expected. She points to funding to help HCMC and rural hospitals, passage of the bonding bill, and new tools to fight fraud as key accomplishments. Lawmakers are now shifting their focus to the campaign trail ahead of November’s midterm elections.
>>Farmers Disappointed with Closing of Legislative Session
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota farmers hoping for relief from tariffs, rising costs, and falling crop prices came away disappointed from this year’s legislative session. Senator Aric Putnam, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, called it a frustrating year for agriculture, saying several proposals that could have helped farmers failed to pass. While additional funding for agriculture programs did not make it through, Putnam says lawmakers did approve measures that could still benefit rural communities, including funding for rural hospitals. Lawmakers also passed a bill allowing eggs past their sell-by date to be donated to food shelves across Minnesota.
>>Provision to Streamline Cannabis Operations Across the State
(St. Paul, MN) — A provision in Minnesota’s new cannabis omnibus bill is expected to streamline operations for marijuana growers across the state. Eric Taubel with the Office of Cannabis Management says cultivators will now be allowed to grow both medical and adult-use cannabis in the same facility, instead of keeping them separate from seed to sale. Taubel says the change will help businesses operate more efficiently and get products to market faster. Under the new law, medical cannabis patients will still receive products tax-free with a medical card, while recreational customers will pay state taxes on the same cannabis products.
>>Methodist Hospital Strike Averted
(St. Louis Park, MN) – A strike involving Health Unit Coordinators at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park has been averted as the two sides agreed late Friday night. They were set to hold a three-day strike beginning on Wednesday. Highlights of the deal include paid holidays, increased paid time off, higher wages, 22 weeks of retroactive pay, and seniority rights. Health Unit Coordinators are in the nursing department and work between patients and providers.
>>Experts: Parents Should Talk to Kids About How Social Media Impacts Mental Health
(Undated) – As Mental Health Awareness Month wraps up, experts say social media continues to play a major role in kids’ mental health. University of Minnesota psychiatrist Dr. Kathryn Cullen says parents should work with their children to set expectations for social media use, adjusting those rules as kids grow older. She says too much use can be harmful, but it can also help young people build community. Cullen adds that social media can become a habit-forming, rewarding behavior that keeps kids coming back. Experts also warn about risks, including exposure to harmful content and online predators. Cullen says parents should be concerned if social media starts affecting sleep, school performance, or overall well-being.
